Safeway

340 E Mcdowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Grocery / Market

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Jan 7, 2026

Score

Medium Risk Grade: C

Inspectors have visited Safeway five times, with records going back to 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 7, 2026. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near two violations per visit.

When inspectors have written things up, “backflow prevention, air gap” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

The city-wide average sits at 97, which Safeway's 74 doesn't quite reach. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 7, 2026

Routine

2 critical violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Backflow prevention air gap not adequate (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed water discharge pipe connected at prep sink hanging below grate of the floor sink. No backflow prevention device was observed at the prep sink water outlet. PIC propped up the pipe with zip-ties and put in a work order to address the issue at the time of inspection. Discussed the importance of proper backflow protection and the importance of maintaining an air gap where required

5-202.13

Chemical sanitizer does not meet required criteria (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed 500PPM quaternary ammonium sanitizer measured within the sanitize basin of the 3-comp sink. Discussed approved use of sanitizers with the person-in-charge (PIC). Sanitizer must be used at concentrations and in an approved manner per manufacturer instructions, 40 CFR 180.940, and 40 CFR 180.2020. Sanitizer was diluted by PIC to approved levels at time of inspection

7-204.11

Jul 31, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed standing water in hallway on the way to bakery. Had person in charge clean up and move standing water to drain. Person in charge explains that water could have come from cleaning and or dishwater when not used properly and overflowed onto floor

6-501.12

Apr 28, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Backflow prevention air gap not adequate (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed drain line from 3 bay sink near prep line leaning into the floor sink. Person in charge (PIC) trimmed drain lines to ensure one inch minimum air gap above the floor sink flood rim. All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times. After discussion with the person in charge, it has been determined that the root cause of the violation was a verification breakdown which resulted in the violation

5-202.13

Jan 9, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed packages of raw chicken located on shelf above cooked ready-to-eat (RTE) potatoes in display stand in front of deli area. Person-in-charge (PIC) properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code. All raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination

3-302.11(A1-2)

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Observed water leak from area between faucet and attachment to sink on the handwash sink located in back prep area. All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times. Must repair all plumbing to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection

5-205.15(B)

Aug 19, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed standing water under hotholding warmer located in the kitchen. PIC stated water is from condensation. Suggested PIC to have flooring mopped and cleaned more often to prevent standing water conditions. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection

6-501.12

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Safeway last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Safeway on file is from Jan 7, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Safeway?

Across the inspection record, “backflow prevention, air gap” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Safeway.

How does Safeway compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Safeway most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Safeway's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Safeway have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Safeway means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

Nearby Restaurants

Chase Field

401 E Jefferson St

Score: 100 — Low Risk

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